Most of us will face tragedy at some point in our lives. Reporter SAMANTHA PARKER talks to one woman who has had more than her fair share, but who is determined to face her fate head on.

SITTING dressed in her trademark pink, Carly Jones smiles and her eyes shine when she talks of her beloved boys.

People watching would be shocked to learn that only a week ago she was diagnosed with terminal lung cancer.

Her story is one of hardship and heartache yet each time she is dealt a blow she picks herself up and battles on.

Carly has already fought and survived cervical cancer in her 24 years and will be starting chemotherapy again next week.

She will tell you, however, her biggest battle has been trying to gain custody of her two sons Sol, 5, and Reece, 2.

She said: 'I met the father of my boys when I was 18, I was naive and got swept off my feet.

'The next few years I suffered emotional abuse and neglect from him.

'I ended up being pushed to the edge and left Germany (he was a soldier in the German forces), leaving my boys behind.

'I regret that now. Had I known it was going to be such a long battle to get them back I would never have left.'

Carly is unable to receive legal aid to help in her fight as she is challenging a foreign court.

Her last solicitor did little to help so she has now employed a #253-an-hour expert.

Carly is on benefits as she's too weak after her last chemotherapy to take up employment and relies on fundraising and generosity to pay the legal costs.

Speaking yesterday after her appointment to see the oncologist she said: 'My solicitor has just filed a motion to the German courts to ask them if Sol can come over here and visit me for a couple of weeks soon.

'I start chemo next week and won't be able to fly for six months. I haven't seen them since September and I am desperate to hold them close to me.

'I don't know what the future will bring or how long I have left, I don't want to know to be honest.

'Everyone is different and reacts differently to chemo. I remain hopeful after it worked last time. Who knows I might have years left yet.

'My mum is crying all the time about having to bury her little girl but I might be around long enough to give her a run for her money.'

Carly is focusing her energy on her treatment and raising money for the solicitors' fees.

The City Arms pub, Saltney, has now pledged its support and set up a bank account for Carly and the boys.

For the first event they staged a Mr and Mrs night which raised #150 pounds.

Manager Mandy Lloyd said: 'It is not right for someone so young to have to go through what she has.

'We want to help send her to see the boys as much as she can or get them over here. Even if she can't get custody of them at least they will get to see her more than once in every six months.

'We are planning raffles and a fancy dress men versus women football match one Sunday. Any support would be appreciated.'

How you can help

* Anyone wishing to offer their help or a donation can contact the pub on 01244 680350 or the Chronicle news desk 01244 606 424.

* Carly can be contacted directly solreece@yahoo.com if people have any questions or are going through a similar fight for custody or against cancer.